Summary
Purpose
Voice disorders are frequently seen among teachers. Intense and inappropriate use
of the voice is the most frequent reason. In the literature, studies supporting the
positive effect of voice hygiene behaviors to the voice in teachers exist. In the
v pandemic era that we pass through, it's being observed that teaching via videoconference
is becoming widespread all around the world. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate
the risk factors for self-assessed “not normal” voice in teachers, in the light of
their demographic and vocational information and voice hygiene behaviors. Our second
aim in this study is to evaluate the effect of voice hygiene training via videoconference
on teachers’ voice. We believe this will contribute in shaping today's therapy modalities
in vocal training.
Materials and Methods
One hundred nine teachers, working as primary, secondary or high school teacher actively
in different cities in Turkey, between 25 and 55 years of age participated and self-assessed
their voice by filling the survey including demographic, occupational, medical history
and voice symptoms and vocal behaviors data as well as Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-10
ve voice self rating scale (VSRS). The teachers with VHI-10 score below 5 and VSRS
score “normal” were assumed to have “Normal Voice.” The teachers with VHI-10 score
5 or above and VSRS “Not Normal” (mild, moderate or severe) (N = 52) were assigned to “Voice Hygiene Group” and were invited to videoconference
for a voice hygiene session. Four weeks after this session, the survey, VHI-10 and
VSRS were repeated and the results were compared.
Results
In the first phase of the study, risk factors for not being in “Normal Voice” group
for the teachers have been assessed. “Having chronic disease” and “having experienced
voice problem before” have been found to be risk factors. In the second phase of the
study, 52 teachers have been invited to online “Voice Hygiene” videoconference session;
only 18 teachers have attended in total of three attempts of sessions. When vocal
behaviors before and after the videoconference were compared, positive changes have
been observed in five vocal behaviors including “avoiding smoking,” “drinking enough
water daily,” “eating healthy food,” “avoiding excessive meals,” “avoiding frequent
throat clearing,” however VHI-10 and VSRS scores have not showed a meaningful change.
Only one teacher has progressed to “normal voice” from “Voice Hygiene Group.”
Conclusion
We believe further controlled studies with more participants adherent to videoconference
sessions will be needed in order to shape today's therapy modalities.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 14, 2022
Accepted:
April 8,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
There is nothing to declare for funding resources.
This work has been accepted and will be presented at the Voice İstanbul Meeting in April 14-17, 2022, in İstanbul, Turkey.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
